Courtesy photo From left are Rivier University nursing students Sangita Thapa and Irene Arevalo Jimenez, along with Director of Undergraduate Nursing Education Judi O’Hara, in Rivier University’s Simulation Lab.

NASHUA – It’s no secret that tuition and loan debt put a heavy burden on student’s shoulders.

In fact, 74 percent of students graduating from a college in New Hampshire this year are likely to be burdened with some level of debt, according to the nonprofit Institute for College Access and Success.

However, thanks to an anonymous donor, 10 Project Advance Scholarships, which will cover full tuition, books, and fees for employees of Catholic Charities New Hampshire rehabilitation and long-term nursing care centers, will be awarded to licensed practical nurses who are interested in pursuing the next step in their career as an registered nurse at Rivier University.

Rivier President Sister Paula Marie Buley said these scholarships will be awarded to licensed practical nurses who wish to earn associate’s degrees in nursing.

A New Hampshire donor gave a gift of $300,000 to go toward these scholarships. Buley said, “The anonymous donor is committed to expanding the New Hampshire workforce in the area of nursing.”

“Ten students will be able to complete their associate degrees without interruption and will go on to proudly write the letters ‘RN’ after their name,” Buley said.

As a convenience for working individuals, the classes for nursing students will take place on evenings and weekends.

In addition to this, Buley told The Telegraph of other offers the university makes toward its nursing students.

“Each year, Rivier University awards over $13 million in institutional financial aid annually, and as part of that $13 million, the university provides a 15 percent discount to LPN’s and RN’s who are enrolled in our associate and BSN programs, so that in some ways, while we have these 10 full scholarships for tuition, fees, books and transportation allowance, we support all of our students,” Buley said.

“This 15 percent discount is a way to increase the affordability of students who wish to continue their nursing education,” she added.

In addition, Buley said, “Rivier University educates the most nurses in the state of New Hampshire and we are committed to supporting and expanding the workforce within this region. Our programs include an associate degree in nursing, a BSN degree, four master’s degree options, and we also have a doctorate in nursing practice. So essentially, you can get degrees all the way up to a doctorate in nursing at Rivier.”

For those who are interested in learning more about admissions criteria and scholarship guidelines, visit rivier.edu/projectadvance. The scholarship is available to new students applying to Rivier’s Associate of Science in Nursing program for fall 2019 entrance. The deadline for applications is April 15.

Grace Pecci may be reached at 594-1243, or at gpecci@nashuatelegraph.com.

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